DETROIT -- At first, you weren't sure it was San Francisco pitching prospect Merkin Valdez, sitting in the World dugout moments before the All-Star Futures Game on Sunday.

His hair sported little curlicues, dyed with a copper-like tint.

"That you, Merkin?"

It was, and the Dominican Republic native pointed toward former Giants hurler Francisco Liriano sitting on the bench and said he was the hairstylist after prompting from Valdez to rework his 'do.

"It took about 45 minutes," said Liriano. "He wanted it that way."

As soon as Valdez warmed up for the U.S. vs. World game at Comerica Park, it was pretty obvious this was the same Merkin Valdez on the verge of stardom in the San Francisco organization.

Mid-90s fastball, excellent slider with an alligator's bite. Whether the 23-year-old will develop into a closer or starter remains to be seen, but he is on the short list of future Giants, a list that gets shorter by the week with a barrage of recent callups by the parent club.

"It's fun to be here again," said Valdez, who competed on the World squad last year at the Midsummer Classic in Houston but unfortunately didn't pitch Sunday. "And I am better now. I can throw my slider better, my changeup better. I keep the ball down a little more now.

At Double-A Norwich this season, Valdez is 5-4 with a 2.83 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 85 1/3 innings.

"I'm working hard every day and I'm waiting for something to happen," the lean right-hander said. "I'm happy now. I'm doing my job, but I need more innings."

In the opposite clubhouse was another Giants prospect, one still in semi-shock -- but a delightful buzz -- about being a last-hour selection for the U.S. Team: Kevin Frandsen, who hit .351 with 40 RBIs for Class A San Jose, his hometown.

"It's a dream come true," said Frandsen, just promoted to Norwich and inserted in the U.S. lineup in the sixth inning at second base. "Being a Giants fan growing up and now being able to represent them here is awesome. Being here in front of a big crowd is nice."

Not like the 1,000 fans at Norwich or even the 12,000 in Scottsdale, Ariz., with the Giants in Spring Training, where Frandsen was a non-roster invitee this year after being selected in the 12th round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft.

"I'm dumbfounded -- it's a great honor and a confidence builder by the organization," said the infielder, who San Francisco manager Felipe Alou said is definitely a future Major Leaguer. "I try to imitate Craig Biggio because he plays the game harder and smarter than anyone I've ever seen."

Frandsen was the final at-bat for the U.S. Team Sunday, hitting into a double play to end the game with the bases loaded. The World team prevailed, 4-0.